He still surfs, however, and says riding a wave near his home in Southern California is more hairy than stepping onto Centre Court.

Maybe that's why he sounds so ho-hum about playing for his first Grand Slam title Sunday.

2003 Grand Slam tennis (requires Flash)

"Nothing to get too excited about," the Australian says.

Roger Federer begs to differ. He's thrilled to be the first Swiss man in a major final.

"It's incredible," Federer said. "I'm very happy to have an opportunity to win a Grand Slam, and this is my favorite tournament. It's a dream."

In the United States, network TV types and headline writers would have preferred Andy vs. Andre, but no one will argue that either finalist will be an unworthy champion. After all, Federer beat Andy Roddick in the semifinals, and Philippoussis eliminated Andre Agassi in the fourth round.

The final might even produce some entertaining tennis, never a given on grass. Federer's elegant all-court versatility will contrast with Philippoussis' single-minded, big-swinging game, which has delivered 164 aces in six rounds.

Each has long been touted as a future Grand Slam champion, and Philippoussis was on the verge five years ago when he lost to countryman Pat Rafter in the U.S. Open final. The next year he hurt his left knee, an injury that led to three operations and more than two months in a wheelchair. He missed all four Grand Slam tournaments in 2001.

With his career in jeopardy, the comeback began slowly. He moved to the San Diego area and began working with a fitness trainer whose clients include members of the Green Berets. In one exercise, Philippoussis descended long stairways hands first.

"We've done some crazy drills where he's nearly made me cry," said Philippoussis.

He cut back on the hobbies, curbed his appetite for night life and began to concentrate on tennis. Before this year's French Open, the 26-year-old Philippoussis began working again with his father, who oversaw his early development, after parting with coach Peter McNamara.

Long the owner of a thunderous serve and forehand, Philippoussis is showing he now knows how to win. At Wimbledon he has rallied from a set down twice, and from two sets down once. He rose to the occasion in the semifinals Friday, blowing away Sebastien Grosjean in straight sets.

With one more victory, he'll become the third unseeded men's champion since Wimbledon began seeding players in 1927. The others were Boris Becker in 1985 and Goran Ivanisevic in 2001.

"Mark is one of the most talented players I've ever seen," said Pat Cash, the 1987 Wimbledon champion from Australia. "When he can put it together and when he serves the way he can, he has so much power, so much ability and so much strength. He's an animal out there."

The No. 4-seeded Federer takes a different approach. While he managed the feat of outserving Roddick, he mixes the pace and spin of his strokes and can hit a winner from anywhere on the court.

Two years ago, at 19, Federer showed he could play on grass by ending Pete Sampras' 31-match Wimbledon winning streak. This year he has won grass, hardcourt and clay court titles, a testament to his versatility.

All that's left is the long-expected Grand Slam breakthrough.

"He's a true master of his class," said Becker, a three-time Wimbledon champion.